Henson Shaving Review: Are These Precision-Engineered Razors Worth the Hype?

If you‘re a man who takes his shaving seriously, you‘ve probably heard some buzz about Henson Shaving in recent years. This Canadian company has been making waves with their exquisitely crafted "forever razors" machined from aircraft-grade aluminum and titanium.

But with prices starting at nearly $100, are Henson razors really worth the investment compared to other premium shaving brands? I put Henson‘s AL13 and Ti22 models to the test to find out. Read on for my in-depth review of the design, performance, and value offered by these high-end shaving tools.

Henson Shaving: Aerospace Engineering Meets Grooming

First, a little background on Henson Shaving. The company was founded in 2020 by Daniel Jantzi, a Canadian aerospace engineer who previously worked for NASA and the Canadian Space Agency. Jantzi set out to apply the precision engineering principles he learned in the space industry to a more down-to-earth challenge: building a better razor.

The result is Henson‘s signature single-blade safety razors, which feature one-piece aluminum or titanium construction with incredibly tight manufacturing tolerances. By minimizing blade chatter and flex, Henson razors aim to deliver an ultra-close, irritation-free shave.

Henson AL13 Razor Review: Sleek and Ultra-Light

The AL13 is Henson‘s entry-level model, relatively speaking, at $90 CAD for the razor and 5 starter blades. Machined from a solid billet of aircraft-grade aluminum, it has a sleek, minimalist design available in matte silver or black finishes.

The first thing you‘ll notice when you pick up the AL13 is how astonishingly light it is at just 1.3 oz. That‘s about a third the weight of a typical stainless steel razor. The hollowed-out handle contributes to the feather-light feel while still allowing for a secure grip.

Despite its light weight, the AL13 feels exceptionally solid and well-constructed, with no rattles or play between parts. The top cap and base plate fit together with an astoundingly small blade gap of just ±0.003" according to Henson.

So how does it actually shave? In a word – fantastically. The AL13 is one of the mildest and most forgiving razors I‘ve used, with virtually no risk of nicks or irritation even on multiple passes. It mows through several days worth of growth with ease, leaving my face feeling baby-smooth.

If I have one small critique, it‘s that the AL13 almost feels too mild at times due to its ultra-light weight. I occasionally wished for a bit more feedback. But that‘s a minor quibble – overall, this is an impressively comfortable and efficient razor ideal for anyone with sensitive skin.

Henson Ti22 Razor Review: The Heavyweight Champ

For the truly discerning shaver, Henson offers a step up from the AL13 in the form of the Ti22 – a razor built from solid Grade 5 titanium. At $322 CAD, it‘s one of the most expensive safety razors on the market. But after using it for a month, I believe it‘s worth every penny.

With a weight of 3.7 oz, the Ti22 is nearly 3x heavier than the AL13, providing noticeably more balance and stability in the hand. The satin-finished titanium has an incredible density and heft to it. It‘s like holding a piece of industrial machinery.

The Ti22 uses the same top cap and blade gap specs as the AL13 for a reliably mild shave. But the added mass allows you to let the razor‘s weight do most of the work, resulting in slightly closer shaves with fewer passes. It‘s astonishingly smooth and efficient.

If you have the budget for it, the Ti22 is as good as it gets in the world of premium safety razors. It will easily last a lifetime and more thanks to titanium‘s exceptional durability and corrosion resistance. An heirloom-quality tool you can pass down to the next generation.

What Customers Are Saying About Henson Razors

Don‘t just take my word for it – let‘s look at what other Henson customers have to say. The company‘s razors enjoy stellar ratings, with the AL13 earning 4.7/5 stars from over 6,000 reviews and the Ti22 a perfect 5/5 stars from 150+ ratings.

A few key themes emerge from reading through user feedback:

• Exceptionally comfortable shaves, even for those with very sensitive skin
• Noticeably less irritation and razor burn compared to multi-blade cartridges
• Superb build quality and craftsmanship, with a weighty, premium feel in the hand
• Outstanding customer service, with Henson going above and beyond to resolve any issues

As one reviewer succinctly put it, "This razor has the best shave closeness to comfort ratio I have ever experienced." Another wrote, "If you are on the fence… Get it. Seriously."

The main drawback cited by some users is the relatively high upfront cost compared to other razors. But most agree the long-term value and performance are unmatched.

How Henson Stacks Up to The Competition

Henson is far from the only brand offering high-end safety razors these days. Other popular options include Rockwell‘s 6S/6C adjustable razors, Supply‘s single-edge razors, and Feather‘s AS-D2 all-stainless model.

Having tried all of these, I believe Henson stands out in a few key areas:

• Precision construction: Henson‘s aerospace background shows in their incredibly small blade gap tolerances
• Lightweight designs: Even the Ti22 is lighter than most stainless razors, reducing hand fatigue
• Milder shaves: Henson‘s razors are very forgiving, making them ideal for beginners or those with sensitive skin

On the flip side, shavers who prefer aggressive razors with lots of blade feel may find Henson‘s offerings too mild. The Ti22 is also pricier than most competing premium razors.

But for a superbly comfortable, low-maintenance shave in a practically indestructible package, Henson is tough to beat. They‘re especially well-suited for anyone upgrading from cartridge razors.

Bottom Line: Are Henson Razors Worth It?

After extensively testing both the AL13 and Ti22, my verdict is a resounding "yes." Henson Shaving has succeeded in applying aerospace engineering to one of the humblest grooming essentials, and the results speak for themselves.

While the upfront cost is undeniably steep, I believe Henson razors are a smart investment that will pay off for decades to come. Their durable materials and heirloom-quality construction mean you may never need to buy another razor.

Most importantly, Henson razors deliver incredibly close, comfortable shaves with minimal risk of irritation or razor burn. If you‘ve struggled to find a razor that works for your sensitive skin, they could be a revelation.

My suggestion? Start with the AL13 to see if you like Henson‘s ultra-mild shaves. The aircraft aluminum is plenty durable and you can always upgrade to titanium later.

One last tip – pair your Henson razor with a well-lathering shaving soap or cream for the best results. A good pre-shave oil can also help further reduce irritation. Take your time, let the razor do the work, and enjoy your new lifetime shaving companion.

Shave on!

Where to Buy Henson Shaving Razors

You can buy Henson razors directly from the company‘s website at HensonShaving.com. They offer free worldwide shipping on orders over $100 CAD.

Henson also has a small but growing network of international retailers in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Check their Store Locator page for an authorized dealer near you.

As of 2023, Henson razors are not available on Amazon, though compatible blades can be purchased there.

Frequently Asked Questions About Henson Shaving

Do Henson razors come with blades?

Yes, all Henson safety razors include 5 Henson-brand stainless steel blades to get you started. The company also sells blades separately in packs of 100.

What blades are compatible with Henson razors?

Henson razors use standard double-edge safety razor blades, giving you a very wide range of options. Some popular choices include Feather, Astra, Gillette 7 O‘Clock, and Personna blades.

Do Henson razors work for head shaving?

Absolutely. Henson‘s razors are great for shaving your head thanks to their lightweight, maneuverable design and mild blade exposure. Many head shavers find they cause less irritation than multi-blade razors.

How do I clean and maintain my Henson razor?

Henson razors are very low-maintenance. Simply rinse the razor head under running water after each use to remove hair and soap residue. Disassemble and dry the razor before storing it in a dry place. Avoid bleach or harsh cleaning products that could damage the finish.

Does Henson offer a warranty or return policy?

Henson razors are backed by a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. The company also offers a very generous 100-day trial period during which you can return your first razor for a full refund, no questions asked. They‘ll even let you keep the razor.

Henson Shaving Promo Codes and Deals

At the time of writing, Henson Shaving is not offering any active discount codes or promotions. However, they do run occasional sales around major holidays like Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Signing up for the company‘s email newsletter is the best way to stay informed about deals.